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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is salvation by faith only scriptural? | James 2:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 54568 | ||
The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS |
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2 | Is salvation by faith only scriptural? | James 2:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 54569 | ||
How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. What are the requirements of God’s Law? 1) Worship: Jo 4:23-24 (God is spirit) 2) Teach: MT 28:18-19 3) Furthering the love of brethren: Ro 14:19 (build up one another) 4) Support our families: 2Th 3:10 (if anyone will not work) Other items regarding faith: -We are protected by the power of God through faith for salvation. See 1 Pe 1:1-21 -Faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility for service and growth. See 1Ti 1:12-14 and Act 16:14. Lydia was a Christian (Baptized) and given the opportunity to provide shelter and food to Paul and Barnabas. -Everyone does not have the same degree of faith. See Ro 14:1-4. We each are growing at different rates, in respect to our level of faith. Our goal is not to judge one another in the degree of faith we have, but to encourage each other—especially not to hinder our growth (Ro 14:13). -Confidence is critical to faith. God hates cowards. To try and fail is a learning experience. To not try, because you fear failure, will result in spiritual death. He 10:38 -Faithfulness is ultimately rewarded with eternal life. See Rev 2:10-11 What we know: 1. Faith comes from being taught the mysteries of God. Ro 10:17 2. Christians are the stewards of the mysteries. 1Co 4:1 - Christ is the only head of the church. Ep1:22-23 - Christ’s kingdom, and thus rule, is occurring now. Co 1:13 3. We are to walk by faith, not sight. 2 Co 5:7 4. The love of God is synonymous with Obedience. Jo 14:21 5. We must prove we love Him. 2Tm 2:15 6. God’s Law requires us to do 4 things: Worship, Teach, Fellowship and support our own families. 7. If we do not obey God, we will be cut off from the tree of life. Jo 15:6 8. If we obey God, He will provide us with everything we need. 2Co9:8-9 Thus Salvation by Faith is scriptural only when it is accompanied by effort. P. S. RAMMAN, this was not meant to be directed towards you, but just a general post. |
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